Sorry if this is a dumb question!!

[Jaynerita]

I'm in the very beginning stages of possibly renting a recreational vehicle (the kind that you drive). When you are actually driving the vehicle, where does your family go? From what I see there are usually 2 seats, one for the driver and another for a passenger and the rest is for the camper. I've always wondered but I don't know anyone who ever had a camper.

 

[mrsgus06]

There are seats behind the driver and passenger seats that usually have seat belts. I have gone with my parents, who have a motor home, and there are an additional 5 seat belts. Three on one couch and 2 on the other. When not driving, the seat belts fit behind the cushions and the couches fold out into beds. These are the best trips to take. I love to travel in the motorhome. Plus, if anyone has to "potty", you don't have to pull over, just get up and go. Just don't try that if you are the pilot

 

[John VN]

Please make sure that there are enough seat belts for all family members.

Familiarize yourself with the limitations of the motorhome. How much weight you can put in it, proper air pressure in the tires, speed restrictions if they exist.

Have fun but be carefull.

We started with a rental class C in 1982 and bought or first in 1985. Now have a class A and go to FW often.

If I can be any help, please PM me.

John

 

[ErinInCT]

oes everyone wear their belts the whole trip. I am debating future trips renting an rv from DC down to WDW. I am leery about having my kids "wandering" around, but hate having to make them sit in their car seats/booster seats the whole way. Is it mandatory in an RV to wear belts?

 

[We4mickey]

It's just like any other vehicle and it is the law that you wear your seat belts.

 

[LMC]

I'm with We4Mickey. Why would riding in an RV be any different than riding in a car? If we had a RV mine would be buckled at all times; we would even have to stop to go potty. I would just never chance it for a minute to get unbuckled (for them). I would get up to get them a drink or snack but for their safety, I would not let them unbuckle. At least in the rv it is a bit more roomy and maybe they can watch tv?

 

[ErinInCT]

Yeah, I figured as much. We have a dvd in the car so I guess the only advantage would be having a bathroom right there!! Even then, I feel like if you are in your car seat, you need to stretch your legs anyway so may as well stop at a rest stop for potty & leg stretching! I just HATE to fly & was trying to find the most comfortable way to get down there. I was thinking of driving in shifts all night & letting the kids sleep in the bed but I guess that can't be done either. Well, I guess I'll be breaking out the Xanax and flying!!

 

[campingcorgi]

Don't know how old your kids are, but it is also very difficult to buckle a child restraint in a motorhome. We had to buy a Britax Husky ($200+) for our 4 year old because the law requires her to be buckled in a child restraint or a booster but we can't use a booster in the motorhome because there are no shoulder harnesses at the dinette.

Love the carseat--just don't like putting that massive thing in the motorhome! Oh, well, safety is #1.

 

[pandamom]

This was the biggest planning point for our upcoming vacation. Lots of discussions/debates and research on what arrangements would be safest. Ended up getting a full back booster seat with belt positioner for our 6 1/2 year old who will sit in the front passenger seat (no airbag and only seat with shoulder harness). 4 year old will use car seat w/5 point harness that straps/belts into one of the benches. I was really suprised at the small amount of information available on car seats in rv's. This is a 2000 winnebago adventurer class a rv yet it only has one passenger seat with shoulder harness -- just doesn't seem right. This will probably be our last trip in it (belongs to dh's parents who we are traveling with)for awhile since our 4 year old is nearing weight limit for the car seat.